world famous lasagna recipe

This lasagna recipe truly lives up to its reputation as the “World’s Best,” and it’s easy to see why! It features layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich and hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this homemade lasagna is a foolproof dish that always impresses and receives rave reviews!

What is the secret ingredient in the lasagna recipe?

Her one golden rule: Always sweeten the ricotta mixture with cinnamon and sugar. This twist on lasagna might seem unusual, primarily if you haven’t heard of it before, but it’s the best-kept secret in our family recipe.

What sets French lasagna apart from Italian lasagna?

Italian-American lasagna is famous for its generous layers of ricotta cheese, while French lasagna, influenced by the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, incorporates a rich and creamy béchamel sauce. What sets French lasagna apart, however, is the specific use of cheese that gives it its distinct flavor.

What was the original lasagna?

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that a dish resembling modern lasagna appeared. In the 14th-century cookbook Liber de Coquina (“The Book of Cookery”), a dish made from flattened dough is described, which is boiled and then sprinkled with cheese and spices.

How can you make lasagna taste even better?

Sugar: Adding two tablespoons of white sugar introduces a touch of sweetness that balances and elevates the sauce’s overall flavor.
Spices and Seasonings: Sauce ‘sasagna is seasoned with fresh parsley, dried basil, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor.

Is lasagna recipe healthy?

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, but traditional versions of white noodles, fatty ground meat, and lots of cheese can be far from nutritious. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy this Italian classic without consuming over 800 calories and exceeding daily sodium and saturated fat limits in a single serving.

What Makes This Lasagna So Incredibly Good?

This lasagna has all the classic layers: tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. However, what truly sets this recipe apart is the iSauce Sauce. It’s rich and packed with tomato sauce, perfectly balanced with herbs. The combination of beef and sausage adds depth, making it extra hearty. When layered with noodles and a blend of three cheeses, every bite becomes a mouthful of cheesy, meaty, and saucy perfection.

Ingredients

The original ingredients for this lasagna are already so good that they need only minor tweaks. Here’s a brief list of your needs, with optional changes to suit your taste. For the complete list and measurements, check the recipe card below.

For the Sauce:

• Sweet Italian Turkey or Pork Sausage: I prefer turkey sausage, but pork works well too. For an extra kick, try hot sausage.
• Ground Beef
• Onion & Garlic
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• Canned Tomato Sauce
• Water
• Sugar: This can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional. I usually leave it out.
• Herbs: Use dried basil, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley.
• Fennel Seeds: Some believe fennel is critical to a good meat sauce. However, the sausage provides enough flavor, so I often skip this ingredient.
• Salt & Pepper

For Assembling the Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: Depending on your preference, you can use both traditional and no-boil noodles. I typically opt for no-boil noodles. Choose gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Ricotta Cheese
• Egg: Acts as a binder to give the ricotta a firmer texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adding more fresh parsley to the ricotta enhances its flavor and brings a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Grated Parmesan Cheese

How to Prepare a Homemade Lasagna Recipe

While making homemade lasagna can be a bit time-consuming, most of that time is spent simmering Sauce or baking the dish. Here’s a quiSauceerview with photos to guide you through the process. Full instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large pot, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned.

2. Add the remaining sauce ingredients to the pot.

3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours to develop a rich flavor.

Prepare the Noodles and Cheese

• If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions until they reach an al dente texture while your sauce simmers.
• Shred the mozzarella sauce.
• Mix the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until well combined.

Proper Order for Layering Lasagna Recipe

1. Start with Sauce: Spread a sauce layer on the baking dish’s bottom.
2. Add Noodles: Layer lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce to build the dish.
3. Ricotta Mixture: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles for a smooth, flavorful layer.
4. Sprinkle Cheese: Top with mozzarella, followed by a light dusting of Parmesan for added flavor and richness.
5. More Sauce: Add another laySauce Sauce on top.
6. Repeat Layers: Begin agaSauceth noodles, then add more ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Sauce.
7. Final Layer: Top with a final sauce of noodles, then cover with sauce Sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

How Many Layers Should Lasagna Have?

A good lasagna requires at least two layers, but more can be added for extra richness. This recipe uses three layers of pasta, separated by two layers of the cheese mixture. The bottom of the dish is lined with SaSauce, and the top layer includes saucSauceen, a final sprinkle of mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Baking the Lasagna recipe

• Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Tips and Variation Ideas for a lasagna recipe

• Change Up the Meat: Do you prefer a lighter option? Swap out the Italian pork sausage for turkey sausage; it’s my favorite and adds a great flavor while reducing fat content.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Add sugar to sauce Sauce to balance the tomatoes’ acid. A faucet sauce can allow the other flavors to shine through.
• Use No-Boil Noodles: Skip the boiling step by using no-boil noodles. They absorb extra moisture during cooking, making for more effortless layering and perfectly sliced servings.
• PreparSauce sauce ahead. Preparing the sauSauceday ahead allows it to meld with the sauSauce in the refrigerator. Plus, this approach saves time when you plan to assemble and bake the lasagna.
• Double the Recipe: Consider making two lasagnas at once—it requires a little more effort but provides a backup meal in the freezer for busy days.
• Reader Tip: If using regular noodles, pour boiling water over them and let them soak in a pan for about an hour. This method helps soften the noodles without breaking them during boiling.

In conclusion, this lasagna recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to impress for any occasion, whether a family dinner or a special gathering. With its rich and satisfying ingredients, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth of traditional Italian cooking to your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!